Jeffrey "Jeff" Clay Coey

Jeffrey Coey, 78, passed away peacefully on July 24, 2025, in Lansing, Michigan. Born on June 14, 1947, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Jeff lived a life rich with music, family, and unwavering devotion to those he loved.

He was the beloved son of Clay E. Coey and Ethel M. Coey and grew up alongside his siblings Ken Coey and Kate Glotfelty (née Coey). From an early age, Jeff was immersed in the rhythms of life—both literally and figuratively. His passion for music led him to become the drummer and one of the vocalists for the band Harombee, which he helped form in the mid-1960s. The band thrived through 1980 and later reformed in the late 1990s through the mid-2000s. These years were especially meaningful to Jeff as he shared the stage not only with his siblings but also with his daughter Cian E. Coey and stepdaughter Kara Lemonakis. For Jeff, music was more than performance—it was connection, memory, and joy.

Jeff’s love of golf was another defining thread in his life. A proud caddie at Oakmont Country Club in Oakmont, Pennsylvania—just like his father before him—Jeff had the rare honor of caddying in major tournaments including the 1962 U.S. Open and the 1966 U.S. Pro-Am. His knowledge of Oakmont’s legendary greens remained vivid throughout his life; even during his final birthday weekend this past June, he delighted in watching the 2025 U.S. Open held at Oakmont, reminiscing about every slope and break as if he had walked them just yesterday.

Above all else, Jeff cherished being a father and grandfather. He is lovingly remembered by his children Clay E. Coey II and Cian E. Coey; grandchildren Cayli C. Coey and Lacy A. Coey; and great-granddaughter Josyli R. Laird. His pride in their accomplishments was boundless—whether asking about Cian’s latest performance or offering golf tips to Lacy—and he never missed a chance to marvel at Josyli’s growth and beauty.

Jeff also held close bonds with many extended family members including nieces and nephews Terry, Randy, Derek, and Erin Mae; as well as former spouse Barbara R. Miller and her husband Steve. He remained deeply connected to close family friends Aimee Hickman-Buck, Susanne Kratovel-Bryner, and Amanda Karsten.

Those who knew Jeff will remember him as a man who gave more than he took—a patient soul who always put others first. Even near the end of his life, he continued to ask after loved ones by name, recalling memories with clarity and warmth that defied time.

His humor endured as well: reminding his best friend Zoomer (Frank Mastermonico) how to shave strokes off his golf game; teasing Pittsburgh Pirates fans with a wink; or proudly embracing nicknames like “Duffy,” “Jethro,” “PapPap,” or “The Real Santa Claus.” To each person in his orbit, Jeff offered something unique—wisdom wrapped in wit, love expressed through music or mentorship.

A private memorial gathering for Jeff will be held by family at a later date.

In lieu of flowers—which Jeff famously found impractical (“How am I gonna water them, Clay?”)—donations may be made in his honor to: Tunnels to Towers Foundation

Jeffrey Coey lived life on his own terms—with rhythm in his heart, clubs in hand, and love always at the center. May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him and continue to inspire patience, generosity, and joy for generations to come.